Discarding a draft in Outlook is reversible if you access the “Drafts” folder before it syncs. If you want to learn how to recover discarded draft in outlook, you are in the right place. Many users accidentally delete a draft email and panic, but the process is simpler than you think. This guide covers every method, from quick folder checks to advanced recovery tricks.
Understanding Draft Recovery In Outlook
Outlook saves drafts automatically as you type. When you discard a draft, it usually moves to the “Deleted Items” folder. However, if you close the draft without saving, it might vanish instantly. The key is acting fast before the server syncs and clears the data.
There are three main scenarios: discarding a draft while composing, closing without saving, or losing it due to a crash. Each has a different recovery path. We will cover all of them step by step.
Why Drafts Get Discarded
Common reasons include accidental clicks on “Discard,” closing the compose window without saving, or Outlook crashing. Sometimes, a sync error can also cause drafts to disappear. Knowing the cause helps you choose the right recovery method.
Where Discarded Drafts Go
When you click “Discard” in Outlook, the draft moves to the “Deleted Items” folder. If you close without saving, the draft may stay in the “Drafts” folder but marked as unsaved. In some cases, it goes to the “Recoverable Items” folder if you use Exchange or Office 365.
How To Recover Discarded Draft In Outlook
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Step 1: Check The Drafts Folder First
Open Outlook and look at the left sidebar. Click on the “Drafts” folder. Sometimes the draft is still there but hidden. If you see your draft, double-click it to open and continue editing.
If the draft is not there, move to the next step. Do not assume it is gone forever.
Step 2: Look In The Deleted Items Folder
Click on the “Deleted Items” folder. Outlook moves discarded drafts here by default. Scroll through the list and look for your draft. The subject line should match what you were writing.
Once you find it, right-click the draft and select “Move” > “Other Folder.” Choose “Drafts” and click OK. Your draft is now back.
Step 3: Use The Recoverable Items Folder
If you use Exchange, Office 365, or Outlook.com, drafts may go to “Recoverable Items.” Go to the “Deleted Items” folder. Click the “Folder” tab at the top. Then click “Recover Deleted Items.”
A window will pop up showing recently deleted items. Look for your draft. Select it and click “Recover.” It will move back to the “Deleted Items” folder. Then you can move it to “Drafts.”
Step 4: Search For The Draft
If you cannot find it manually, use the search bar. Type part of the subject or a key word from the draft. Make sure the search scope is “All Mailboxes” or “Current Mailbox.” This can locate drafts that are hidden in subfolders.
If the draft appears in search results, open it and save it again. This forces Outlook to keep it in the “Drafts” folder.
Step 5: Check For Unsaved Drafts After A Crash
If Outlook crashed while you were composing, the draft may be in the “Drafts” folder with a generic name like “Draft” or “Untitled.” Look for these. Also, check the “Recoverable Items” folder as described above.
Outlook sometimes creates a recovery file. Go to “File” > “Options” > “Save.” Note the “AutoRecover file location” path. Open that folder in File Explorer and look for files ending in .asd or .tmp. Rename them to .msg and open in Outlook.
Advanced Recovery Methods For Discarded Drafts
If the basic methods fail, you have more options. These require a bit more effort but can recover drafts that seem lost.
Using The Outlook Web App
If you use Exchange or Office 365, log in to Outlook on the web. Go to the “Drafts” folder there. Sometimes drafts sync differently between desktop and web. You may find your draft online even if it is missing from the desktop app.
If found, open the draft and save it. It will sync back to your desktop Outlook.
Checking The .Ost Or .Pst File
Outlook stores data in offline folders (.ost) or personal folders (.pst). If you have a backup of these files, you can recover drafts. First, close Outlook. Locate the .ost or .pst file (usually in C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook).
Copy the file to a safe location. Then open Outlook and go to “File” > “Open & Export” > “Open Outlook Data File.” Browse to the copied file and open it. Look in the “Drafts” folder within this data file.
Using Third-Party Recovery Tools
If nothing works, consider a third-party tool like Stellar Repair for Outlook or Kernel for Outlook. These tools scan the Outlook data file for deleted items, including drafts. They are not free but can recover drafts that are otherwise unrecoverable.
Be cautious with third-party tools. Only download from official sites to avoid malware.
Preventing Future Draft Loss
Once you recover your draft, take steps to avoid losing it again. Prevention is easier than recovery.
Enable AutoSave
Outlook saves drafts automatically every few minutes by default. But you can adjust the interval. Go to “File” > “Options” > “Mail.” Under “Save messages,” set the “AutoSave” interval to 1 minute. This ensures drafts are saved frequently.
Manually Save Drafts
Get in the habit of pressing Ctrl+S (or Cmd+S on Mac) while composing. This manually saves the draft to the “Drafts” folder. It takes one second but can save you from losing work.
Use The “Save” Button
In the compose window, click the “Save” button (disk icon) in the quick access toolbar. This does the same as Ctrl+S. It is a good backup habit.
Avoid Accidental Discard
When you close a draft, Outlook asks if you want to save changes. Always click “Save” instead of “Discard.” If you click “Discard” by mistake, immediately go to “Deleted Items” to recover it.
Common Mistakes When Recovering Drafts
Many users make errors that prevent recovery. Avoid these pitfalls.
Waiting Too Long
Outlook syncs with the server regularly. If you wait too long, the draft may be permanently deleted. Act within minutes if possible.
Emptying The Deleted Items Folder
If you empty the “Deleted Items” folder, drafts there are gone. Always check before emptying. If you have already emptied it, use the “Recoverable Items” method.
Using The Wrong Search Terms
Searching for “draft” may not find your draft. Use the subject line or a unique word from the body. Be specific.
Not Checking All Folders
Drafts can end up in unexpected folders like “Sent Items” if you accidentally sent them. Check every folder in your mailbox.
Recovering Drafts On Different Outlook Versions
The steps vary slightly depending on your Outlook version. Here is a quick guide.
Outlook 2016 And 2019
These versions work the same as described above. The “Recoverable Items” feature is available if you use Exchange. The AutoRecover file location is under “File” > “Options” > “Save.”
Outlook For Microsoft 365
Same as 2016/2019, but with cloud sync. Check Outlook on the web if desktop fails. The “Recoverable Items” folder is more robust in this version.
Outlook For Mac
On Mac, go to the “Drafts” folder in the sidebar. If not there, check “Deleted Items.” Mac Outlook also has a “Recover Deleted Items” option under the “Folder” menu. The AutoRecover file location is in ~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/Outlook/Outlook 15 Profiles/Main Profile/Data.
Outlook Web App
In the web app, click “Drafts” in the left pane. If the draft is not there, click “Deleted Items” and look. There is also a “Recoverable Items” folder accessible via a link at the bottom of “Deleted Items.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Recover A Draft I Discarded A Week Ago?
It depends on your Outlook settings and server retention policies. If you use Exchange or Office 365, drafts in “Recoverable Items” are kept for 14-30 days. Check that folder. For IMAP or POP accounts, drafts are likely gone after a few days.
What If I Closed The Draft Without Saving?
Outlook may have saved it automatically. Check the “Drafts” folder for a file named “Draft” or “Untitled.” If not there, look in “Deleted Items.” The AutoRecover method may also work.
Does The “How To Recover Discarded Draft In Outlook” Method Work For All Outlook Versions?
Yes, the core method works for Outlook 2013, 2016, 2019, Microsoft 365, and Outlook for Mac. The exact steps may vary slightly, but the principle is the same.
Can I Recover A Draft If I Emptied The Deleted Items Folder?
Yes, if you use Exchange or Office 365. Go to “Deleted Items” and click “Recover Deleted Items” in the “Folder” tab. Your draft may be there. For other account types, recovery is unlikely.
Is There A Way To Recover Drafts From A Crashed Outlook?
Yes. When Outlook restarts after a crash, it often prompts you to recover unsaved drafts. If not, check the “Drafts” folder for auto-saved drafts. Also, use the AutoRecover file location method described above.
Final Tips For Draft Recovery
Always act quickly. The faster you try to recover, the higher the chance of success. Keep your Outlook updated to avoid bugs that cause draft loss. And remember, the exact keyword “How To Recover Discarded Draft In Outlook” is your guide to the most reliable recovery path.
If you follow these steps, you will recover most discarded drafts. Practice the methods now so you are ready if it happens again. Draft loss is stressful, but with this guide, you can handle it calmly.